Fiction Writer's Character Chart

I found a comprehensive character chart on Pinterest and created a page for it. I'm not sure who to credit for this chart and most of the Pinterest links direct to a closed web site. The link to my chart page is found on my Helpful Links page and here:

http://theroxxblog.blogspot.com/p/fiction-writers-character-chart.html

I also linked a worksheet I create based on the hero's journey, here:

http://theroxxblog.blogspot.com/p/heroic-journey-worksheet.html

TS

"Magic" System Issues

As I write and flesh out my story I've run into many little problems along the way. Most of them are minor, like I have my main character chasing off in one direction and then he's over there... How did he get there? That was easily fixed by adding in a scene in which I took the opportunity to give more insight into his personality and relationships with those around him.

Unfortunately the issue of how my magic system works has taken a truck hauling monkey wrenches and dumped it on my story. Then for good measure it crashed the truck into the pile and set it on fire.Perhaps it is not that bad, but it has certainly stumped me. Also, I am using "magic" as a generic term since it encompasses all the outside of them norm or "fantastical" system, like technology and powers and magic.

I have set up what the magics of my world are; how they work, their limitations, and other details for how the system interacts with the environment, characters, and story. But then I ran into a wall in the form of a question: Where did this magic come from and why do certain people have them while others do not? I just looked at my computer screen and shrugged, You tell me! Neither my story nor my computer responded, very rude of them both in my opinion.

Where did the magic come from? My story is already set to follow a few years after the end of a war that was started because of the magic, so I have a starting point. The magic came before the war era and other things spawned into existence during the war because of them or to counter them. Something happened (or didn't) and people became special while others did not. This leads to friction and animosity, and ultimately war.

So there is a pretty set when, but still no how. The few ideas I've come up with are: it just is, space stuff, nuclear stuff, genetic engineering, a rift between dimensions, or perhaps different environmental factors that culminated into some people being "lucky" enough to be born with magic. There are a few other ideas, but those are the leaders and each offers some interesting aspects, but the issue of making it believable becomes the new issue. That last one is the easier of solutions I've thought of and I am leaning towards it. On the Pro side, it solves the problem and I my system essentially just-is. On the Con side, at face-value, my system could be interpreted as a Marvel mutants knock-off.

All of the ideas I have come up with so far are definitely workable, but I want it to be more than a footnote that says to the reader "This is how, move along, these aren't the droids you're looking for". I want my system to be fun, entwined in the world and story not simply background, and at the forefront I want it to be believable. I want readers to want to be apart of it too, the same way the books I've read have drawn me in.

Certainly more thought and research is required before I commit to the origin of my system.

-Tony

People Are Funny

Why is it as soon as people hear you are writing something, they say " Oh, put me in your book" and then they list a series of characteristics for their character? It's like they want to become famous by proxy through your writing; "Hey, this character is totally me!" Yes, you and the bazillion other people who have the same personality type/star sign/Chinese zodiac/etc. This is why archetypes and the generalities of horoscopes work so well; people are really similar.


This list they give you is great though, it gives you insight into their minds' inner workings. It shows how they think of themselves (and how they think people perceive them) and can be spot on or so off that you wonder how they got to this point in life not knowing how people perceive them.. they're either lying or they're just plain delusional, me thinks.


My favorite is when I am given a list of characteristics that is supposed to be exaggerated or funny, and it's actually much closer to the truth.


And here's the kicker: If you actually write them in the story, chances are they get all offended!


People are funny.

Barnes & Noble's Dated but Essential Science Fiction Novels

Barnes & Noble posted an article August 12th about 8 novels that are dated but still essential readings. I've read three of them so far, and the ones I've not read all sound appealing, so I will be have to add them to my "to eventually read" list. My favorite of the three I've read is The Foundation series, and I enjoy everything Asimov has written. I've read so many classic and modern science fiction novels, I can't think of who else I might add to this list.


The Foundation series by Isaac Asimov
Neuromancer by William Gibson
Synners by Pat Cadigan
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
The Oxford Time Travel series by Connie Willis
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut
The Silver Metal Lover by Tanith Lee




Enjoy the Article: B&N Link

Newby Trials

Writing is an emotional roller coaster when random people ask about it...


Person X: "Hey, what are you doing?"
Me: "Oh! I'm actually writing a book"
Person X: "What's it about?"


Initial joy and excitement at sharing my tasks and ideas with another person, expecting some minimal amount of excitement on their part.


Person X: "Oh, you can do that? Are you sure?"
Me: "Yes..."
Person X: "So it's more a hobby or some blog stories."
Me: ................. no, it's a novel."


Why the hell did I open my mouth. I understand science fiction isn't for everyone, but wow.


Person X: "Well can I read what you've written?"
Me: "No, I'm still in the planning and outlining phase, and --"
Person X: "Planning? Don't the big names just start writing and whip out a book."
Me: "Some, yes and no. There are different ways to tackle it..."


And I've lost them. What follows is generally "that's nice" or negativity, because lets face it, if they can't do it then how could I. All people are equal in their talents and goals, right?


Can't please them all I suppose.


Anyway, my Outline has morphed into this amazing, I don't know, comprehensive outline? It's definitely NOT a first draft, but I'm getting there, hopefully aiming to start this weekend.

The Omega Project

As promised, or threatened, I've posted one of my old short stories that I had dug up. Feel free to give it quick read and enjoy it for the unedited tragedy it is. After going back over, I see it needs a lot of editing help and I think I will make it a project to work on when I need a break from my book. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Just a quick break...

I'll just take a two minute break, check my garrison missions and... 2 hours later, Damn it!!